National Numismatic Collection

Brasher Half Doubloon, United States, 1787

The National Numismatic Collection is comprised of approximately 1.6 million objects and is thought to be the largest collection of money and transactional objects in the world. Its diverse holdings represent every inhabited continent and span more than three millennia.

The collection has grown from a few thousand objects in the mid-19th century to its present size through donations from public institutions and private collections.

The National Numismatic Collection is unrivaled in its holdings of American material. It is the U.S. monetary system's collection of record and includes the extraordinary collections of the U.S. Mint, Treasury, and Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

A small portion of the National Numismatic Collection is available here. The National Numismatic Collection is currently working to develop digitization initiatives in order to make the national collection more accessible to the public.

1 Oban, Japan, 1480

One (1) oban coinJapan, 1480
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin
Japan, 1480
date made
1480
associated date
1480
head of government
Ashikaga Yoshimasa
ID Number
NU.18528.0013
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0013

1 Oban, Japan, 1573 - 1592

One (1) oban coinJapan, 1573 - 1592General Information: Koshiu of Iorijo
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin
Japan, 1573 - 1592
General Information: Koshiu of Iorijo
date made
1573 - 1592
ID Number
NU.18528.0020
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0020
collector/donor number
3058

1 Oban, Japan, 1582

One (1) oban coin, KameyamaJapan, 1582
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin, Kameyama
Japan, 1582
date made
1582
associated date
1582
ID Number
NU.18528.0016
catalog number
18528.0016
accession number
18528
collector/donor number
93838

100 Dollars, Federal Reserve Note, United States, 2013

One (1) 100 dollar noteUnited States, 2013Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin along with an inkwell and quil.Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / UNITED STATES RESERVE SYSTEM / SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / FRANKLIN / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS /
Description (Brief)
One (1) 100 dollar note
United States, 2013
Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin along with an inkwell and quil.
Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / UNITED STATES RESERVE SYSTEM / SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / FRANKLIN / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE / 100 / LB00002013A / SERIES 2009 A
Reverse Image: Independence Hall.
Reverse Text: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / IN GOD WE TRUST / INDEPENDENCE HALL / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / 100
date made
2013
date on object
2009
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
2016.3104.1
catalog number
2016.3104.1
nonaccession number
2016.3104
serial number
LB00002013A

1 Oban, Japan, 1586 - 1587

One (1) oban coinJapan, 1586 - 1587
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin
Japan, 1586 - 1587
date made
1586 - 1587
ID Number
NU.18528.0019
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0019

50 Dollars, Legal Tender Note, United States, 1880

One (1) 50 dollar noteUnited States, 1880Obverse Image: Bust of Benjamin Franklin at left. At right, Liberty dressed as Columbia.Obverse Text: UNITED STATES NOTE / ENGRAVED & PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING / ACT OF MARCH 3RD.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 50 dollar note
United States, 1880
Obverse Image: Bust of Benjamin Franklin at left. At right, Liberty dressed as Columbia.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES NOTE / ENGRAVED & PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING / ACT OF MARCH 3RD. 1863 / BENJAMIN FRANKLIN / A448570 / FIFTY DOLLARS / SERIES OF 1880. / THE UNITED STATES WILL PAY TO BEARER FIFTY DOLLARS / WASHINGTON, D.C. / THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR FIFTY DOLLARS / 50
Reverse Image: Geometric designs.
Reverse Text: 50 / L / FIFTY / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. / THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER AT ITS FACE VALUE FOR ALL DEBTS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EXCEPT DUTIES ON IMPORTS AND INTEREST ON THE PUBLIC DEBT. / COUNTERFEITING OR ALTERING THIS NOTE, OR PASSING ANY COUNTERFEIT OR ALTERATION OF IT, OR HAVING IN POSSESSION ANY FALSE OR COUNTERFEIT PLATE OR IMPRESSION OF IT, OR ANY PAPER MADE IN IMITATION OF THE PAPER ON WHICH IT IS PRINTED, IS FELONY, AND IS PUNISHABLE BY $5,000 FINE, OR 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT AT HARD LABOR OR BOTH. / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING. / WASHINGTON, D.C. / SERIES OF 1880.
date made
1880
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.79.112.CM0061
accession number
1979.1263
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.CM0061
serial number
A448570
collector/donor number
CM0061

Commemorative Coin, Japan, 1573 - 1592

date made
1573 - 1592
ID Number
NU.18528.0023
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0023
collector/donor number
98867

50 Dollars, Gold Certificate, United States, 1882

One (1) 50 dollar noteUnited States, 1882Obverse Image: Portrait of Silas Wright.Obverse Text: GOLD CERTIFICATE / 50 / THIS CERTIFIES THAT FIFTY DOLLARS OF GOLD COIN HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 50 dollar note
United States, 1882
Obverse Image: Portrait of Silas Wright.
Obverse Text: GOLD CERTIFICATE / 50 / THIS CERTIFIES THAT FIFTY DOLLARS OF GOLD COIN HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES. THAT SUM IS REPAYABLE IN GOLD COIN ON DEMAND ON THE PRESENTATION HEREOF AT THE OFFICE OF THE U.S. ASSISTANT TREASURER AT NEW YORK CITY. / WASHINGTON, SEPT. 1ST, 1882. / THESAUR AMER SEPTENT SIGIL / A96569 / A 2 / REGISTER OF THE TREASURY / ASST. TREASURER OF U.S. NEW YORK CITY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / UNDER CHAP. 290, SEC. 12, OF THE ACT OF JULY 12TH 1882. / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING / SILAS WRIGHT
Reverse Image: An eagle on a draped shield. Ornate decoration.
Reverse Text: FIFTY DOLLARS / UNITED STATES / GOLD CERTIFICATE / 50 / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING
date made
1882
depicted
Wright, Silas
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.78.5.502
catalog number
78.5.502
accession number
1978.0941
serial number
A96569

100 Dollars, Federal Reserve Note, United States, 1950

One (1) 100 dollar noteUnited States, 1950Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin.Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / B00000001A / 7 / SERIES OF 1950 / THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, AND IS REDEEMABLE IN LAWFUL MO
Description (Brief)
One (1) 100 dollar note
United States, 1950
Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / B00000001A / 7 / SERIES OF 1950 / THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, AND IS REDEEMABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY AT THE UNITED STATES TREASURY, OR AT ANY FEDERAL RESERVE BANK / FRANKLIN / WILL PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / 100 / WASHINGTON.D.C. / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY / THE FEDERAL RESERVE / BANK OF NEW YORK / NEW YORK / 2 / A9
Reverse Image: Independence Hall in Pennsylvania.
Reserve Text: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / 100 / INDEPENDENCE HALL
date made
1950
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.79.112.CM0337
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.CM0337
collector/donor number
CM0337
serial number
B00000001A

60 Shillings, England, 1644

date made
1644
associated date
1644
head of government
Charles I
ID Number
NU.68.159.5373
catalog number
68.159.5373
accession number
283645

100,000 Drachma, Greece, 1944

date made
1944
ID Number
NU.66.21831
accession number
269137
catalog number
66.21831

20 Dala, Hawaii, 1893

date made
1893
depicted (sitter)
Queen Lili'uokalani
ID Number
NU.68.159.5780
catalog number
68.159.5780
accession number
283645

5 Thalers, Brunskwick - New Luneburg, Germany, 1638

date made
1638
associated date
1638
ID Number
NU.NU50037
catalog number
NU50037
accession number
161590

1 Yoshi Mame Ban, Japan, 1570 - 1580

One (1) yoshi mame ban coinJapan, 1570 - 1580
Description (Brief)
One (1) yoshi mame ban coin
Japan, 1570 - 1580
date made
1570 - 1580
ID Number
NU.18528.0015
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0015

1 Dollar, Federal Reserve Bank Note, United States, 1918

One (1) dollar noteUnited States, 1918Obverse Image: Portrait of George Washington.Obverse Text: ONE / NATIONAL CURRENCY / 1 / J-10 / SERIES OF 1918 / SECURED BY UNITED STATES CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS OR UNITED STATES ONE-YEAR GOLD NOTES, DEPOSITED WITH THE TREASURER OF THE U
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar note
United States, 1918
Obverse Image: Portrait of George Washington.
Obverse Text: ONE / NATIONAL CURRENCY / 1 / J-10 / SERIES OF 1918 / SECURED BY UNITED STATES CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS OR UNITED STATES ONE-YEAR GOLD NOTES, DEPOSITED WITH THE TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / REGISTER OF THE TREASURY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / J19276299A / C / C 99 / THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY MISSOURI WILL PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND ONE DOLLAR / CASHIER / GOVERNOR / FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTE / THESAUR / AMER / SEPTENT / SIGIL / AUTHORIZED BY THE ACTS OF DEC. 23, 1913, AND APRIL 23, 1918 / WASHINGTON / MAY 18, 1914
Reverse Image: A flying eagle clutching an American flag.
Reverse Text: ONE DOLLAR / NATIONAL CURRENCY / FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTE / 1 / THIS NOTE IS RECEIVABLE AT PAR IN ALL PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES IN PAYMENT OF ALL TAXES AND EXCISES AND ALL OTHER DUES TO THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT DUTIES ON IMPORTS AND ALSO FOR ALL SALARIES AND OTHER DEBTS AND DEMANDS OWING BY THE UNITED STATES TO INDIVIDUALS COR-PORATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT INTEREST ON PUBLIC DEBT
date made
1918
depicted
Washington, George
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.78.5.777
catalog number
78.5.777
accession number
1978.0941
serial number
J19276299A

1 Dollar, Silver Certificate, United States, 1891

One (1) dollar noteUnited States, 1891Obverse Image: Portrait of Martha Washington at left.Obverse Text: 1 / ONE / SILVER CERTIFICATE / ENGRAVED AND PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING.
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar note
United States, 1891
Obverse Image: Portrait of Martha Washington at left.
Obverse Text: 1 / ONE / SILVER CERTIFICATE / ENGRAVED AND PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING. / THIS CERTIFIES THAT THERE HAS BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES ONE SILVER DOLLAR PAYABLE TO BEARER ON DEMAND. / WASHINGTON, D.C. / E50087787 / 109 C / ACT OF AUGUST 4, 1886. / SERIES 1891.
Reverse Image: Ornate design.
Reverse Text: 1 / ONE / UNITED STATES SILVER CERTIFICATE / ONE DOLLAR / THIS CERTIFICATE IS RECEIVABLE FOR CUSTOMS, TAXES AND ALL PUBLIC DUES, AND WHEN SO RECEIVED MAY BE REISSUED. / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING.
date made
1891
depicted
Washington, Martha
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.78.5.552
catalog number
78.5.552
accession number
1978.0941
serial number
E50087787

8 Escudos, Colombia, 1751

date made
1750 - 1751
associated date
1751
head of government
Ferdinand VI King of Spain
ID Number
NU.68.159.1313
catalog number
68.159.1313
accession number
283645

1 Solidus, Byzantine Empire, 797 - 802

One (1) solidus coin, IreneByzantine Empire, 797 - 802Obverse Image: Portrait bust of Irene facing front, wearing crown and loros and holding a globus cruciger and cruciform scepter.Obverse Text: EIRINH / bASILISSHReverse Image: Portrait bust of Irene as on obverse.Reverse Text:
Description (Brief)
One (1) solidus coin, Irene
Byzantine Empire, 797 - 802
Obverse Image: Portrait bust of Irene facing front, wearing crown and loros and holding a globus cruciger and cruciform scepter.
Obverse Text: EIRINH / bASILISSH
Reverse Image: Portrait bust of Irene as on obverse.
Reverse Text: EIRINH / bASILISSH
date made
797 - 802
maker
Irene Empress of Byzantium
ID Number
NU.68.159.5823
catalog number
68.159.5823
accession number
283645

1/3 Stater, Lydia, 610 - 561 BCE

date made
610 - 561 BCE
associated date
-0610 - -0561
ID Number
NU.68.159.5801
catalog number
68.159.5801
accession number
283645

1 Taiko Fukju Ban, Japan, 1580-1590

One (1) taiko fukju ban coinJapan, 1580-1590
Description (Brief)
One (1) taiko fukju ban coin
Japan, 1580-1590
date made
1580 - 1590
ID Number
NU.18528.0018
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0018
collector/donor number
3056

1 Goryoban, Japan, 1837

One (1) goryoban coin, TempoJapan, 1837Obverse Image: A fan-shaped Kiri crest, a square panel with the value, a square panel with the signature of the Mint Official, and another fan-shaped Kiri crest.Obverse Text: Romanization: GO / RYO / MITSU / TSUGU (Translation: One ryo, Mits
Description (Brief)
One (1) goryoban coin, Tempo
Japan, 1837
Obverse Image: A fan-shaped Kiri crest, a square panel with the value, a square panel with the signature of the Mint Official, and another fan-shaped Kiri crest.
Obverse Text: Romanization: GO / RYO / MITSU / TSUGU (Translation: One ryo, MitsuTsugu)
Reverse Image: Butter-fly-like signature, and various other characters, the stamps of mint officials.
Reverse Text: [NEEDS TRANSLATION]
date made
1837
ID Number
NU.18528.0028.1
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0028.1
collector/donor number
3067

7 Ducats, Hohenlohe - Oehringen, 1701

date made
1701
associated date
1701
ID Number
NU.68.159.5278
catalog number
68.159.5278
accession number
283645

Manilla, West Africa, 19th Century

Manillas were regularly used in exchange in West Africa, especially along the coast of modern-day Nigeria, from at least the fifteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.
Description
Manillas were regularly used in exchange in West Africa, especially along the coast of modern-day Nigeria, from at least the fifteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Cast from various metals, including copper, brass, and iron, they are crescent-shaped and resemble an open bracelet. They were produced by Portuguese, British, Dutch, and French merchants specifically for trade in West Africa. Manillas were used in everyday purchases at markets. They were also a central currency of the transatlantic slave trade.
date made
19th century
ID Number
NU.79.112.OC19
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.OC19
collector/donor number
OC19

1 1/2 Ducats, Zierikzee (Netherlands), 1576

date made
1576
ID Number
NU.68.159.5608
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.5608

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